polite

adjective

po·​lite pə-ˈlīt 

politer; politest

1

a

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture

b

: marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres

2

a

: showing or characterized by correct social usage

b

: marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy

c

: marked by a lack of roughness or crudities

polite literature

politely adverb

politeness noun

Synonyms

• civil
• courteous
• genteel
• gracious
• mannerly
• well-bred

Choose the Right Synonym for polite

civil, polite, courteous, gallant, chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding.

civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women.

gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

Examples of polite in a Sentence

It was polite of him to hold the door for them.

Please be polite to the guests.

It isn't polite to interrupt people when they're talking.

She received some polite applause despite the mistakes in her performance.

Recent Examples on the Web

This case involves the Hatchet Girls, a cult that follows a bloodthirsty leader intent on giving polite society hell. —Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025

What is a polite way to refuse a hug with friends or strangers? —Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025

Nelson’s prompts are detailed and logical without being overly polite. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

This combination of polite social convenience and deep wounds, designed to shock the system, continues to shock the eye. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing polite

• in polite company
• in polite society/company
• polite speech

Rhymes for polite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

polite

adjective

po·​lite pə-ˈlīt 

politer; politest

1

: showing good taste or training : refined

polite society

polite forms of address

2

: showing consideration and courtesy : courteous

politely adverb

politeness noun